How to get your home ready to sell

Putting your home up for sale is a big decision to make, and it can take a while before you feel ready to get going.

If you’re thinking of moving this year, there are a number of things that you can do to help make the process go as smoothly as possible – starting with getting your home ready to sell.

We’ve created a bite-size checklist to make sure that you are as ready as you possibly can be when it comes to marketing your property.

Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside said: “Sellers get two chances to make a first impression: the first is online and the second is in real life. When home-hunters are viewing your property on Rightmove, you’ll want your agent to have taken photographs that show your home at its best as this is how you’ll generate interest. So it’s important that impressive features are on show.

“Secondly, your home should have what we call ‘curb appeal’. Many buyers will drive past in advance to get a first look at the outside of the property and so keeping things neat and tidy in your garden will make all the difference, even before a viewing.”

Checklist

Declutter

This is actually one of the most effective jobs you can carry out. Decluttering your home creates lots more space and gives buyers the impression of viewing a blank canvas. If home-hunters can visualise themselves living in a property, they’re far more likely to seriously consider putting an offer in. So starting upcycling, selling, and clearing out all the furniture and possessions you no longer want or need.

Keep the garden tidy

This is often the very first thing that potential buyers will see when they come to view your house, so give them a reason to smile. Prune any overgrown hedges, mow the lawn and maybe give that wooden gate a new lick of paint. The back garden can also be a real clincher, so make sure your fence panels are looking ship-shape, the shed doesn’t look like it’s about to fall over, and clean up any dog mess.

Let in light

Keeping the blinds open and curtains apart will let in more light and produce a better sense of space. If you are going to be at home for a viewing, switch on the lights in the rooms before your buyer arrives. Also, it’s a good idea to clean all your windows for that extra sparkle.

Pets

As loveable as they are, not everyone is a big fan of cats and dogs, so if you can, leave them with a family member or a friend who lives nearby. Once they’re out of sight, try to air your house, clean the carpets and light a candle.

Minor repairs

Now is the time to get on and finish all those nit-picky DIY jobs that you’ve been putting off for months. You want to give home-hunters as few reasons as possible to find fault with your home. You might need to mastic the bathroom or patch up some old picture hook holes.

Bathrooms and kitchens

It goes without saying, but these rooms should always be clean and mould-free. Store toiletries away where possible, clean shower doors and keep the toilet seat down. In the kitchen, meanwhile, keep worktops tidy and utensils organised and food in cupboards.

Give rooms the right purpose

Some buyers find it difficult to see beyond the current use of a room. So if you’ve marketed a room as a bedroom, try your best to have it set up as such, rather than a study or playroom, say. Show people what a room can be, rather than simply telling them.

We know it will be a difficult decision if you’re thinking of trying to sell over the next few months, Please give us a call to discussing how to move home amid the coronavirus outbreak.